[Anonymous]

I really need inspiration and I’m hoping someone can help!! My boss talked me into going for the CPA after being out of school for 20 years. I’ve never had an interest in the CPA whatsoever. Seriously. But, because he talked me into it, I spent thousands on the Roger CPA Elite course in January and I then bought into this Ninja course. I studied my ass off 4 hours a night for 3 1/2 months for the BEC exam and still failed. Then, immediately after paying for the ninja course, I lost ALL ambition. The raise my boss is offering me to pass isn’t incentive enough either. I’m a financial controller working 50 hours a week and I’m married with a 2 yrs old and a 5 year old. So, my hands are pretty much full as it is. Additionally, I have an MBA, my wife has a great job as an aprn, I’m happy with the way my life is right now, and I have nothing to prove to anyone. Can someone please tell me why bother studying for this exam? I just don’t get it. I’m trying so hard to pull myself out of this study rutt. But, I seriously can’t find a reason other than maybe just studying a little once in a while so my money doesn’t go to complete waste. The “upward movement” reason…. Not for me. I don’t need the headaches VPs have to deal with. More money?….I don’t need lots of money. Besides, I know plenty of accountants who make over $200k plus bonus and never went for their CPA. Improve Job security…… hmm. I think this is it. This is the only reason I can come up with. Definitely not worth 4 hours of stress every night for the next 2 to 3 years, though…. which is probably how long it would take me. They say it takes commitment to pass. But, there can’t be commitment without a having a reason and the best reason I can come with right now is that my boss might turn into a pain in my ass. But, if he does, I’ll just find another job. My current boss is the only one who’s ever mentioned the CPA in my entire accounting career. So, I’m pretty confident that if I just find another job, I don’t have to hear another word about it again..….. unless I find some inspiration.
I really hope my post doesn’t sound negative. I’m just lost at the moment and looking for help. I love my job and I’d like to stay here at least for another 5 years.

[Missy]

Not to sound glib, but don't bother. If you're not motivated to do it you're just spinning your wheels.

But for what its worth you should be able to knock this out in about 12 months or less. And 4 hours a night is overkill. I got 1.5-2 hours per night on weeknights and 3-4 hours on Saturdays and Sundays which was absolutely every second I had available to study and finished in exactly 12 mos start to finish. Then again I wanted it more than anything, as a personal goal that I could get it done.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Accountant183748]

Not to sound rude either, but what was it your boss said that made you want to get your license? Was it fear based – like losing your job or not being seen as dedicated? I agree with MLA that the CPA is something that you have to want, you shouldn't take the exams out of fear. Plus it sounds like you are doing just fine without.

It took me 18 months to pass all four tests – I studied about 3 hours Monday-Friday and 5-6 hours on the weekend. I did take busy season off studying. I failed 4x and just recently passed my last test.

If you want to do it, you can find a way to do it and yes you will probably be miserable most of the time. But if you don't want to do it, there is nothing wrong with that.

[Author]

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